BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – POSSESSING a stance and class incomparable to other cricketers of his age, an aspiring youngster from Lime Kiln has been tipped as a potential hero for Kittitians and Nevisians.
Born to Curtis Crooke of La Guerite and Madeline Paul of Antigua, eight-year-old Curdel Crooke has displayed a love for the game of cricket and boasts unimaginable talents in the sport even during his toddler years.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Curdel’s father explained how his son got introduced to the sport.
“Since he was at age one he was playing cricket. I remember he went into Keith Authurton’s Academy and he said he wanted to bat. Then I realised when he was about two, he was shaping up and batting properly and that is when I did a video and put it on YouTube with him in the house batting.”
When asked about how far he believes his son can get in the sport, Crooke said, “It is up to him. He has the potential and it is something that he loves to do. He loves the sport and if he continues in the vein in which he is going, I think he is going to reach far once he keeps a good head on his body.”
Further expounding on his son’s love for the game, Crooke expressed, “It is something he loves! That’s all he does night and day. As soon as he comes home from school that’s all he want to do; he wants to play cricket. Sometimes I have to tell him he has to do his school work first.”
The proud father explained the potential of his offspring and described his talents as simply “amazing”.
“When you look at him playing, it is amazing! The things he can do at his age! The way he holds the bat, standing up and batting properly, bowling, and understanding the game. At the moment he attends Keith’s Academy, so that probably will help him more. So if he continues in the vein he is going he should make St. Kitts very proud.”
Crooke also spoke to the measures he is taking to ensure Curdel capitalises on and develops his potential.
“At the moment he is still young so I am trying to see what I can do to try and help him. I have friends in England and people here who are willing to try and help him to reach further. I am just trying my best and try and work with him and play with him as much as I can. Sometimes I bat and he would bowl, and a next time he bats while I bowl to him.
“We play in the yard and the field at the back of us and we have a little practice. Whoever is willing to help him, he is there. I would like him to get as much help as he can.”
He also forecast that his son may face some future challenges.
“There are always going to be challenges, but the most important thing I think he needs to do though, is to concentrate on his schoolwork. Challenges will always come but that is life. There is nothing easy in life; there are always challenges. He just has to overcome the challenges when they come and everything will fall in place.”
Speaking with SKNVibes, Curdel said he dreams of playing cricket for the West Indies and favours batting ahead of the other aspects of the sport. He also singled out West Indian captain Darren Sammy as his favourite cricketer.
The young enterprising cricketer currently attends the Dr. William Connor Primary School.
